Unpaid bills or lack of medical care, although the elder has enough money to pay for them

Financial activity the elder couldn’t have done, such as ATM withdrawals by a bedridden account holder

Unnecessary services, goods or subscriptions

Unusual change in spending habits

Scams

Constant phone calls from various phone numbers

Elder/adult suddenly wiring money

Large accumulation of lottery mail

Elder/adult secretive about a relationship with someone they have not met in person

Mandatory ReportersIn most states, professions that engage in regular contact with children are listed as mandatory reporters. In at least 18 states, however, there are no listed mandatory reporters – anyone and everyone who knows or suspects that child abuse has occurred is required by law to make a report.

Mandated reporters are healthcare providers, licensed or unlicensed social service providers for vulnerable adults, paid or unpaid caretakers, care custodians, the clergy, and other professionals in a position of trust who suspect elder or dependent adult abuse or neglect, including self-neglect.

In states with defined mandatory reporter lists, however, the following professions are frequently listed:

Day care workers

Dental assistants and hygienists

Doctors' office staff persons

Emergency medical technicians

Family practitioners

Foster care workers

Hospital personnel

Medical examiners

Nurse practitioners

Police officers

Practical nurses

Psychiatrists and psychologists

Registered nurses

School administrators, advisors, and paraprofessionals

Social workers

Teachers and teachers' aides

The federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) maintains a list of mandatory reporters by state.